Nelson City Council - Media Releases and News

Go by Bike Day is back

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:52:08 +1300

Nelson’s Go By Bike Day is back on Wednesday 15 February with free breakfasts for riders all over town between 7 and 9am.

Free, healthy food will be provided by Nelson City Council and attendees may be lucky enough to pick up one of many cycle friendly spot prizes. The event is being organised by Nelson City Council in partnership with NZTA and local cycle retailers.

Go By Bike Day is the one day of the year when thousands of Kiwis all over the country join together, rain or shine, and cycle to work, school, or wherever they are headed. This event is for anyone who can keep a bike upright – whether they are long-time cycling veterans, or have just graduated from training wheels and looking to hit the road. Nationally many regions were holding the day on February 1 but locally it was delayed so that more people returning to work and school after the holidays would be included.

“Go By Bike Day is about getting people from around the country to give cycling a go and see how easy it is to get where you need to go by bicycle,” says Marg Parfitt, Nelson City Council Transport and Road Safety Adviser.

“New Zealanders have been enjoying cycling here since the first bikes arrived here back in the 1860s. Go By Bike Day is a chance to get back to those roots, jump on a bike, and rediscover how fun and easy it can be. Resources and safety information at the breakfast checkpoints will reach cyclists and invite them to try new facilities or attend up-skilling courses.

“So when you wake up on Wednesday morning, leave the car keys or bus pass on the kitchen counter, and join hundreds of other Nelsonians cycling to work, school, or wherever, on Go By Bike Day munching on bananas, toasted muffins or bagels spread with cream cheese and jam -yum!”

These “FUEL STOPS" for cyclists are in place at;

Village Cycles - Queen St Richmond
The Cycle shop - Main Road Stoke (by Super Cheap Auto)
Railway Reserve - just north of Broadgreen Intermediate Playing Field - hosted Stoke Cycles
Kelvin's cycles - Rutherford St
R & R cycles - Rutherford/Bridge corner
Stewarts Avanti Plus - Hardy Street
RIDE – Halifax Street
Motueka - outside the museum in High Street.
Murchison – Outside Tasman District Council offices

[1233904]

Learn more about noise at events

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:04:13 +1300

Nelson City Council encourages anyone interested in hosting events or concerned about noise at events to attend information sessions being held next week on the subject.

Council is applying for two Resource Consents relating to amplified sound and events at Council administered parks and open space, which will both go through the resource consent notification process at the same time.

The first application seeks to permit amplified sound in all Open Space and Recreation Zones, where the noise will not exceed the permitted limits in the Nelson Resource Management Plan. It does not seek to gain increased noise limits.

The second application aims to allow special events on nominated public reserves and open spaces, and on limited occasions per year, where electrically amplified sound, closing times and ancillary structures would breach specified rules in the Nelson Resource Management Plan.

Community Development Manager Kath Inwood says Council hopes to reduce the need for the majority of cultural and recreational events to obtain event-specific resource consents, by putting in place a consent covering a range of events, which includes a high standard of control to minimise the potential noise effects.

“We want to build on Nelson’s reputation as a vibrant and exciting place to live and visit by making it easier to host a range of events like sports days, community celebrations and festivals,” she says.

“We’re really keen for people to attend the information sessions to learn more about the current rules, what the applications propose, and how noise levels can be managed to achieve the least impact.”

Each information session will also have a particular focus on one or more of the specified sites listed in the second application.

Monday 13 February, Saxton Netball Pavilion, 7.00pm
Focus on Saxton Field venues
Tuesday 14 February, NCC Council Chamber 5.30pm,
Focus on Fairfield Park and Botanics Reserve
Tuesday 14 February, NCC Council Chamber 7.30pm,
Focus on Trafalgar Park, Trafalgar Centre and Upper Trafalgar Street.
Wednesday 15 February, Tahunanui School Hall, 5.30pm.
Focus on Tahunanui Playing Fields

Neighbouring residents to the above venues and the general public are invited to attend. Malcolm Hunt, an acoustic engineer, will be there to further explain the expected noise characteristics of events and the proposed mitigation measures.

Ends

Contact Kath Inwood, Community Development Manager, phone 03 546 0289.

[1233170]

Senior Council Manager resigns

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:46:08 +1300

Nelson City Council’s Executive Manager Community Services Susan Coleman has resigned this week to take up the position of Chief Executive with Girl Guiding New Zealand. Susan’s last day at Council will be 15 March.

Susan has worked at Nelson City Council for 10 years, first as Manager, Libraries and for the last 8 years leading the Community Services Division, a role which has encompassed Libraries, Parks and Community Facilities, Cultural, Heritage and Arts along with Environment and Recreation Services. In addition this position has oversight of Emergency Management, our Customer Service Centre and Economic Development. As Regional Director of RWC 2011, Susan was responsible for the delivery of the games and associated community events.

“I’m truly sad to be leaving my colleagues at Council” Susan says. “After working together all these years, I have come to the conclusion that they are the most professional and dedicated people I’ve ever worked with and the city is well-served by this amazing team. However this opportunity with Girl Guides was one I simply couldn’t pass up. Girl Guiding New Zealand’s vision and values align well with my own. I am delighted that my new role will be based in Nelson so that I can remain part of the local community.”

Chief Executive of Nelson City Council, Keith Marshall says “Susan’s is hugely talented and capable, and this is a fantastic opportunity for her. Girl Guides are extremely lucky to get someone of her ability and experience. Susan will be sorely missed by all of us here.”

Roger Ball, currently Manager Emergency Management, will assume Susan’s role in an acting capacity until any decisions about recruiting for a replacement are made.

ENDS

[1233661]

Acting CEO appointed

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:38:29 +1300

Nelson City Council is not to proceed with recruiting a new Chief Executive until after the result of the Local Government Commission poll on the proposed merger of Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council is known.

Instead Council has appointed Richard Johnson as Acting Chief Executive after Chief Executive Keith Marshall leaves the organisation in mid April.

Richard is currently the Executive Manager of the Regulatory division and has been at Nelson City Council for five years. His career in local government spans more than 30 years.

Mayor Aldo Miccio says, “It made sense to appoint someone in an Acting role. With the uncertainty of the amalgamation proposal ahead of us, this was the logical decision to make.

We thank Keith for all his work in leading the very successful transformation of Council culture and wish him all the best for the future. We’re delighted to be able to appoint Richard to lead the organisation through the coming months and look forward to welcoming him to the role.”

Richard Johnson says “I am pleased to have the opportunity to step into the Acting CEO role. There’s no doubt Keith’s influence will be missed but I look forward to the challenges that may lie ahead of the organisation this year.”

[1231451]

Council considering rates remission for flood affected property owners

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:54:03 +1300

Council is looking at ways to give those homeowners affected by December’s floods some rates relief.

The item will be considered at Council’s next Governance meeting later this month.

It was on today’s Council agenda, but has been removed as some complex legal issues need to resolved.

Council CEO Keith Marshall says it was hoped the recommendation could be considered today, but legal advice received late yesterday indicates Council will need to run a separate formal consultation around this within the current financial year which ends on 30 June.

“To ensure Council gets this process absolutely correct the report and its recommendations will be rewritten, incorporating the legal advice and it will be considered by the next Governance meeting of Council on 21 February.”

“We are mindful of those affected property owners and their current situation and want to ensure we get this process right for everyone.”

{1230940}

Council welcomes amalgamation poll

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:52:48 +1300

Nelson City Council has welcomed the Local Government’s decision to go forward with a poll to decide whether amalgamation between Nelson City and Tasman District Councils will go ahead.

A new local government structure for the Nelson and Tasman area, to be called the Nelson Tasman District, has been approved by the Commission. The structure will be put to the electors of both districts for approval in separate polls in April this year.

Council CEO Keith Marshall says the polls now mean the choice goes to the people, which is entirely appropriate. “This is a major decision for our region and will shape its future. It’s now up to the people of Nelson City and Tasman District to have their say.”

The postal polls will be held in April the decision whether to go ahead will rest on whether more than 50% of respondents in each Council area vote for or against amalgamation.
Voting documents will be mailed to electors of Nelson City and Tasman District between Thursday 29 March and Wednesday 4 April 2012.

Completed voting documents must be received by the electoral officer before noon, Saturday, 21 April 2012. If a majority of electors in both polls vote in favour of a union, the reorganisation scheme will be implemented by an Order in Council.

A transition committee, comprising representatives of Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council plus an independent chairperson, will then meet to put in place the necessary steps for the new Council to come into existence on 1 November 2012.

This will follow elections for the new council and community boards in October 2012. The Transition Committee will recommend appointment of a transition manager to manage the detailed transition process.

For further information please visit the Local Government Commission website.

Local Government Commission announces scheme for amalgamation

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:53:27 +1300

The decision whether or not to amalgamate the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils is to be made by their resident electors.

The Local Government Commission has released its decision on the next steps in the reorganisation process, which involves a poll of electors in each area.

A majority of electors in both polls need to be in favour of the proposal for it to go ahead. If approved, the new scheme will come into effect on 1 November 2012.

The new scheme was proposed by the LGC in June last year in response to the presentation of an elector initiated petition. Basil Morrison, Chair of the Local Government Commission, says this kicked off the process of considering the proposal by the LGC. “We put forward a draft reorganisation scheme and called for submissions and sought information which was then carefully considered.

“After receiving and considering over 400 submissions, the draft reorganisation scheme has now been approved with modifications and reissued as a reorganisation scheme,” says Mr Morrison.

Under the scheme, the Nelson Tasman District will be divided into eight wards with a mayor and 16 members. The councillors will be elected from eight wards as follows: Golden Bay one councillor, Lakes-Murchison one councillor, Motueka two councillors, Moutere-Waimea two councillors, Richmond three councillors, Stoke three councillors, Nelson three councillors, and Atawhai one councillor.

A Māori Board and Rural Advisory Committee are also to be established alongside two community boards in Golden Bay and Motueka. The administrative headquarters for Nelson Tasman District will be located in Richmond.

Next steps

The Poll:
Voting documents will be mailed to electors of Nelson City and Tasman District between Thursday 29 March and Wednesday 4 April 2012.

Completed voting documents must be received by the electoral officer before noon, Saturday, 21 April 2. If a majority of electors in both polls vote in favour of a union, the reorganisation scheme will be implemented by an Order in Council.

This will follow elections for the new council and community boards in October 2012. The Transition Committee will recommend appointment of a transition manager to manage the detailed transition process.

Nelson City Council CEO Keith Marshall says the poll now means the choice goes to the people, which is entirely appropriate. “This is a major decision for our region and will shape its future. It’s now up to the people of Nelson City and Tasman District to have their say.”

More information can be found at www.lgc.govt.nz

International Kai Festival ready to run on Waitangi Day

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:45:22 +1300

Kai Fest will be held for the fourth year this Waitangi Day, Monday 6 February, with Founders Heritage Park and Whakatū Marae working closely together to present a range of traditional and international flavours cooked by the wider Nelson community.

There will be many great features at this year’s event including the two Pōwhiri at 11.00am and 1.00pm, where everyone visiting or living in Nelson is invited to a ceremonial welcome onto our local Marae.

A wide variety of international food made by families living in our Nelson communities will be on offer. All stalls will offer small portions of food priced at $2.50 or $5.00 to encourage visitors to try a wide range.

This year we have confirmed local performers at the two stages at Whakatū Marae and Founders Heritage Park, headlining Nelson’s own Kapa haka Group, Taiko Drummers, Alegria Beat and Tongan Song and Dance. Traditional arts and crafts will also be on display.

“Waitangi Day is a great opportunity to strengthen relationships between the Marae and Nelson City Council while delivering a positive community experience,” says Carol Hippolite of Whakatū Marae. “We see this annual event key to celebrating Nelson’s diversity and relevant to Waitangi Day, which to all stakeholders involved in presenting this event, is a celebration of relationship building.”

“Sharing of food brings people together in cultures all around the world,” says Maria Anderson of Nelson City Council’s Founders Heritage Park. “Families who have a love for their traditional food have been invited to participate in this event, and based on stall registrations to date – it’s going to be a fun day. There are still stall sites available, at only $15 to book and we would love to welcome new families into the region to share their cultural food at this year’s event.” To book a site call Jahreece on 546 9097.

Entry to the event is a gold coin donation, at the windmill of Founders Heritage Park, or at the Marae in time for the Pōwhiri.

To encourage participation, Nelson City Council is organising a free looping bus service to and from the event. The SBL bus service is available at all the main stops from Stoke to Founders Heritage Park between 10am and 4pm on Waitangi Day. The bus route/timetable is as follows:

Leaves Stoke via Tahunanui to Founders on the hour,
The same bus leaves Founders to Stoke via hospital on the half hour,
First bus leaves Stoke at 10.00am and the last bus leaves Founders at 3.30pm

Council Chief Executive resigns

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:22:35 +1300

Today Nelson City Council Chief Executive Keith Marshall announced his resignation from his role, effective mid-April.

“I am resigning in order to make myself available for other opportunities,” Keith says. “There are a number of prospects open to me that I am not at liberty to disclose. Also, at the end of last year I accepted a directorship on the board of a North Island based company.”

Mayor Aldo Miccio says that while Keith’s resignation came as a bit of a surprise, he understood the reasons behind Keith’s decision. “I do admire Keith for making this decision at this time – after all, he could simply have hung around for the looming amalgamation and collected a healthy redundancy payment, but that really isn’t his style or attitude.”

Mayor Miccio, on behalf of Council, thanked Keith for his leadership of Council staff for over 3 years that has resulted in an increase in staff ‘buy-in’ to nearly double the national average for local government, and more than doubled the positive perceptions of customer service performance. “By anyone’s standards these are amazing results.”

Mayor Miccio also highlighted the financial performance of Council over the past few years. Those financial results had enabled Councillors to propose the lowest rate rise in 20 years in last year’s draft annual plan. Nelson City Council had posted a surplus of around $42 million for the past year, well up from surpluses in previous years. “As a result, the city is in great financial shape.”

The Mayor says Keith will be sorely missed, but he is happy he will be around to help the preparation of the upcoming draft Long Term Plan (LTP). Mayor Miccio says this is likely to be a very difficult LTP to produce given the impacts arising from the recent emergency and the potential magnitude of the recovery efforts and costs.

“I will sit down next week and work up a recommendation to Council as to how we move forward with recruiting a replacement CEO,” the Mayor says. “It’s unlikely we will move to recruit a replacement for Keith before knowing the Local Government Commission decision in respect to amalgamating the two Councils.”

Mayor Miccio says he is also aware that final interviews for the Tasman District Council CEO role are due to happen later this week.

Mr Marshall says it has been a great experience working for Nelson City Council. “Councillors face exceedingly tough decisions all the time, and not all their decisions are popular.” Keith says that he has been lucky to work with a Council that has faced up to those decisions no matter how difficult that has been for them individually.

“Obviously,” he says, “not everyone likes the decisions made by Council, but that is what they are elected to do on behalf of residents. As the person who has been present and observed all their decisions, I can assure residents that this Council, and the one before it, considered all issues extremely carefully.

“During the time that I have been in the role, the residents of Nelson are, and have been, in good hands with their Mayor and elected Councillors.”

When reflecting on what things he would say were the highlights throughout his time at Nelson City Council, Keith readily points to the staff who work for Council.

“The people who work for Council are a talented, capable and committed group. The ongoing financial, customer and staff satisfaction results show off their high level performance in a very tangible way.”

But, above and beyond the statistics that demonstrate that, Keith says that anyone who witnessed the huge efforts put in by Council staff throughout the recent emergency would know that Nelson is very lucky to have such a dedicated group of people working for the city.

“People worked tirelessly around the clock knowing that they needed to do everything they could to help during this emergency, and that seeing that dedication in action was a fantastic thing to be part of.

“From a personal perspective, I am proud to have had the chance to have worked with such an amazing group of people.”

Council will need to prioritise work in light of flood event

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:14:28 +1300

The recent flooding and slips which affected Nelson will have an impact on Council’s work programme for the remainder of this financial year, which ends on 30 June.

Mayor Aldo Miccio says the ongoing effects arising from the recent emergency could be extensive, but Council won’t be in a position to ascertain that until the recovery plans are ready.

“But it is likely that Council work and priorities will change as a result of the emergency and we’ll know more about that in a month or so.”

The Recovery Centre is operating out of Nelson City Council and is currently preparing the Recovery Plan which will map out the emergency related priorities for Council.

“We need to work around that and then look at the remainder of the work programme” Mayor Miccio says.

[1216471]

Monaco safe for Swimming and Rabbit Island open for Christmas Day

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:39:50 +1300

The new duplicate pipeline to the regional sewerage facility at Bell Island came into operation overnight and it is now safe to swim at Monaco.

The area has been closed to swimming for some months due to contamination which was not related to the recent flood and slip damage to the region.

However, Rabbit Island, which was closed due to the recent flooding, will open tomorrow, Christmas Day. The island is immensely popular with families and visitors for Christmas Day barbecues and picnics.

The Beach at Rabbit Island is also open for swimming. 　

Usual Council services may be reduced temporarily

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:13:04 +1300

Nelson City Council advises some of its usual customer services, may be reduced as a result of necessary diversion of staff to Civil Defence response assessment and recovery operations.

Council’s Chief Executive Keith Marshall says he expects residents will understand that at this time the focus needs to be on providing support for Civil Defence responsibilities.

Lantern Celebration Cancelled

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:53:18 +1300

The annual Lantern Celebration walk up the Centre of New Zealand to be held tomorrow Saturday 17 December has been cancelled.

Organisers are concerned about safety issues following this week’s floods, and the threat of more rain.

Nelson City Council festivals producer Sophie Kelly says while it was a great pity to cancel the popular event, there really was no choice.

“With all the slips on the eastern hillside, the state of the track and the wetness of the Botanics playing field it just wouldn’t be at all sensible to have crowds of people gathering – it would also just add to the pressure that emergency services and council staff are under right now.”

She says another reason is performers have so many other commitments at this time of year that we can’t postpone this event – we just have to cancel it if it can’t go ahead as planned,” she said.

The Lantern Celebration is part of Summer in Nelson, presented by the Nelson City Council as a celebration for locals and an attraction for visitors. There are plenty more events still to come - the next one is the Trafalgar Square Countdown in the city centre on New Year’s Eve.

Pick up a programme or visit nelsonfestivals.co.nz

Council takes next step towards a regional velodrome

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:02:23 +1300

A regional velodrome at Saxton Field moved a step closer today with the Nelson City Council agreeing to consider its funding contribution as part of next year’s Long Term (Ten Year) Plan.

Council agreed in principle to establishing a velodrome as a regional facility subject to final design and pricing.

It wants 20% of the estimated design and construction cost of $2m to come from the Saxton Velodrome Trust. The remaining 80% would be made up of 43% from the Nelson City Council and 37% from Tasman District Council.

Nelson City’s funding contribution will be considered as part of next year’s long term plan 2012-2022, in the 2012/13 year with payment being subject to the Saxton Velodrome Trust making significant progress with its funding contribution.

The costs of decommissioning the existing cycle track at Trafalgar Park will also be considered as part of the Long Term Plan in the 2013/2014 year.

Council to relocate some staff because of potential earthquake risks - updated

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:51:38 +1300

The Nelson City Council will be relocating all 37 staff from one of its premises, the State Advances Building on Trafalgar Street, after a recent report identified structural issues in the event of an earthquake.

Council’s regulatory role under the Building Act 2004, is in applying the Earthquake Prone Building Policy across the city. If evaluations identify a building meets less than 33% of the New Building Standard (NBS) in relation to resistance to earthquakes, then that building is designated as an Earthquake Prone Building (EPB).

The State Advances Building was initially identified as an Earthquake Prone Building (EQB) and a detailed evaluation was completed. The report advised the building met 63% of the New Building Standard (NBS) in the east/west direction and 17% of the NBS in the north/south direction, on 24 November.

Council’s Chief Executive Keith Marshall says as a building owner the Council has to either strengthen or demolish those identified as EPB’s within an appropriate timeframe, which could legally be up to 30 years. Once identified as such, EPB’s can continue to be utilised pending their upgrade (or demolition).

“We have given this issue considerable thought and discussion, and even though there is no legal obligation to close the building nor to move people out of it, we think that the right thing to do is to provide some peace of mind by relocating until the strengthening issues can be resolved more permanently.”

Keith says in addition to addressing staff concerns, this sends a clear message that the issue of earthquake prone buildings is a serious one.

The move will be phased over the next two months to be completed by the end of January 2012. There are 208 staff and 10 contractors based at the Council’s Nelson premises in Civic House and the State Advances Building.

Council to relocate some staff because of potential earthquake risks

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:27:46 +1300

The Nelson City Council will be relocating staff from one of its premises, the State Advances Building on Trafalgar Street, after a recent report identified structural issues in the event of an earthquake.

Keith says in addition to addressing staff concerns, this sends a clear message that the issue of earthquake prone buildings is a serious one.

The move will be phased over the next two months to be completed by the end of January 2012.

Gambling Policy to be discussed at length

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:02:00 +1300

The importance of the community view in the city’s Gambling Policy has led to the Nelson City Council scheduling a special workshop in the New Year to discuss it.

The Council last reviewed its Gambling Policy in 2010, but a High Court ruling earlier this year deemed the consultation process and subsequent policy changes were invalid and the previous policy, established in 2007 remains in place until it is reviewed again.

Mayor Aldo Miccio says the level of public interest in the issue is the policy is high and the issue warrants full discussion before moving forward with any changes.

Today’s Council meeting was addressed by a Counsellor involved in problem gambling in the Nelson community who asked that the 2007 Gambling Policy remain in place, but with a further reduction in the number of pokie machines allowed within the city.

Legal advice on Māori ward supports move

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:24:04 +1300

The Nelson City Council’s move to create a Māori ward in time for the next local body election did not breach legislation, according to an independent legal opinion received by Council at its final meeting of the year today.

A local resident who is also a lawyer recently questioned the legality of the resolution to establish a Māori ward passed by Council on 3 November. He claimed it breached both the Local Electoral Act 2001 and the Local Government Act 2002.

Council then asked for an independent opinion, which was the basis of the extensive report presented by Nelson lawyer Camilla Owen today. It says Council was correct in believing it did not have a legal obligation to consult on the decision and that a poll whether to proceed with the move could be initiated by either the public, or Council.

Since the public advertising of the Council resolution a Nelson resident has launched a petition to hold a poll on whether to create a Māori ward. The petition has a threshold of 5% (1701) of Nelson electors to initiate a binding poll. The deadline for the completion of the petition is 28 February 2012.

Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio says the poll is one way of hearing what the public has to say on what is an important issue. “The public will have its say through a poll, and we will listen.”

“This was always going to be a contentious issue. The petition and poll are critical safeguards.”

Proposed Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan Released

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:15:43 +1300

The release of the proposed Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is a call for real behavioural change in the communities of Nelson and Tasman.

Driven by the Nelson and Tasman Councils, the plan focuses on creating a community responsibility for minimising and managing waste in the region.

It is a challenge that will need to be taken up by residents, businesses as well as the Councils, says working party chair Tasman District Councillor Judene Edgar.

“In the past the Councils have delivered waste management in terms of providing transfer stations and recycling initiatives focused on managing what is produced and disposed of,” she says.

“The time has come for the community as a whole to look seriously at what we can do to minimise our waste before disposal. Not creating waste in the first place is more sustainable.”

“Over the past few years we have seen what we can do with recycled glass for infrastructure in roading and as a base for the Trafalgar Park playing surface. However, ingenious and well-intentioned as it is it is still driven by the question of ‘what are we going to do with this pile of material?’ We need to continue thinking and investing in waste minimisation.

“We must continue to make incremental changes. The Councils, while maintaining and developing waste management, are doing so in a world where costs of disposal will only continue to rise, financially and environmentally.”

“Good waste management is about managing the inputs, not just the outputs, through recycling and refuse stations - Councils cannot do it alone’, Councillor Edgar concluded.

The proposed Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is out for consultation with submissions accepted up to 31 January 2012.

Copies of the Plan can be found on the Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council websites, and at Council offices and libraries.

Maori Ward legal opinion to be discussed tomorrow

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:08:21 +1300

Council is to discuss a legal opinion regarding the creation of a Maori ward in the public session of its meeting tomorrow.

A Nelson resident raised issues of the legality of the move in the public forum section of a recent meeting and Council subsequently committed to seek independent legal advice. The resident, a lawyer, said at the meeting that he thought Council breached the Local Electoral Act 2001 and the Local Government Act 2002.

The independent legal advice has now been received and will be discussed at the final Council meeting of the year tomorrow at 9am in the Council Chamber. Copies of the legal opinion are included in the Public Agenda.

Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio says Council is keen to be transparent about the issue and reminds residents that Council meetings are open to the public to attend.

Note: Although tomorrow’s meeting starts at 9am it is expected this issue will not be discussed until around 10.45am

[1204573]